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Homeowner's Center

DCRA’s Homeowners Center is devoted to helping homeowners get building permits for home improvement projects such as decks, fences, interior renovations and repairs, and window replacement.

We’ll give you general information about permit regulations and procedures; explain application requirements for your project; help you get a plat; review your plan; and issue your permit when your plan is approved. Our goal is to make your experience as convenient as possible.

Skip the Trip' to DCRA Altogether

The DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs wants you to stay away. Well, at least if your trying to get a building permits for one of the 50 most common home improvement and small construction projects. You can now apply, pay for and receive building permits from your home or office computer. We’ll even email you a copy so you will never have to worry about losing it.

Our online tool at dcra.dc.gov makes getting a permit fast and easy without waiting in lines or traveling to city permit offices. We are excited to offer this service to the residents of the District of Columbia.

Where is the Homeowner's Center?

Who can get a building permit in the Homeowners Center?

Any owner of a single family dwelling or two-family flat, who uses the home as their primary residence.

Why get a building permit?

Your building permit helps you and DCRA make sure that your home improvement project is done safely and properly. A plans reviewer and a field inspector will carefully review your plans and work descriptions for compliance with DC Government codes and regulations. Getting a permit will also reduce the risk of homeowner’s insurance liability and fines for illegal construction.

What kind of permits could I need?

Most home improvement projects require one or more of these permits:

Building Permits

Plumbing Permits (Supplemental)

Electrical Permits (Supplemental)

Mechanical Permits (Supplemental)

All structural and some nonstructural work requires building permits. The Homeowners Center only issues building permits. If your
project involves plumbing, wiring, or air conditioning, you will need supplemental permits. Your licensed contractor must get the
supplemental permits in DCRA’s Permit Center.

How to Reach Us

We encourage you to call (202) 442-9470 to make an appointment to:

Get general information;

Hold a pre-submittal meeting to learn about permit requirements for your specific project; and

Hold a plan review meeting when you are ready to have your project plan approved.

If you walk in without an appointment, we will serve you as soon as time is available in the day’s schedule.

As a homeowner, can I get plumbing, electrical, or mechanical permits?

No. Plumbing, mechanical, and most electrical permits are issued only to licensed and bonded plumbers, gas fitters, master mechanics,
and master electricians. These permits are supplemental permits: only the licensed professional for each area can apply for them.
Note: A homeowner can get an electrical permit for a limited scope of work. Ask the Center staff for details.

Homeowners Center Resources

Be feel feel to read through the documents located at the bottom of the page for guidance on planning your home improvement project.

Home Improvement Safety Information

More information on lead paint and asbestos is available through the DC Department of the Environment's Lead-Based Paint Management Program. For more information call DDOE at (202) 535-1934 or view the DDOE Lead-Based Paint Management Program's contact information.

Follow Federal Lead Safety Laws

Beginning December 22, 2008, anyone paid to renovate residential housing or child-occupied facilities (such as daycare centers) built before 1978 must provide a new EPA pamphlet, entitled Renovate Right, to the owners and occupants. Both DCRA and the District Department of the Environment (DDOE) have already begun making the Renovate Right brochures available to the public. The following documents are are available below under related documents.

Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers and Schools

The brochure requirement begins the national implementation of a sweeping set of EPA regulations called the Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule, otherwise known as RRP. The rule establishes requirements for training and certifying individual renovators and renovation firms, to ensure that the work they do in properties that may contain lead paint is done safely, without generating lead hazards. The rule also establishes cleanup requirements for those whose work disturbs paint in these properties. The use of lead-based paint was not restricted nationally until 1978, and the bulk of the District’s housing was built before lead paint was banned.